Cape Town - The transfer window for a young aspiring footballer from Cape Town has opened, but he needs your help to get there.
Adam Bouqallaba, has been awarded a football scholarship to the Claremont High School and Football Academy in England.
The school boasts attracts talented players from across the world and has helped develop those who went on to play for top English and European clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea, AC Milan, Crystal Palace, Brighton and others.
Bouqallaba is the captain of Green Point Salesian football club’s under-14 team and with this scholarship, the 13-year-old’s dream of learning from the best is within his grasp but he needs donations to for his travelling expenses.
His mother Lee-Anne Twalo, 38, recalled the moments when her nappy-clad toddler ran around the house kicking a ball.
“I am proud of him, it was a tough journey, but I saw from a young age how passionate he was about this sport.
“When he was 4 years old, he started playing five-a-side. I always checked in on him asking him if he still wanted to do it but he never backed down,” she said.
Twalo said that two years later, the budding soccer player was already talking of playing professionally.
“By this time he was 6; he had already decided and was adamant about it. I am very academically driven, so I told him to go for his goals but also to make sure that he doesn’t slack in his school work.
“This is why he has been putting in the effort into his books and has reaped the rewards of it.”
Twalo said even though it would be bitter-sweet to see her son leave for the UK, she had faith that he would use this opportunity to better his life.
“I know Adam will make something positive of his life. He has a good heart and is known to collect used boots, for Boots for Africa or for his teammates who don't have.
“The day before an away match he will always make sure his teammates have a lift.
“And even though it is a bitter-sweet moment, and I am not ready, I support his goals, because he has a very bright future ahead of him.”
Adam is an all-rounded soccer player, but specialises in the midfield and defender positions. He said he was over the moon when was awarded the scholarship.
“This is far from what I ever imagined, but it shows that hard work pays off and I will make sure that I continue to produce great results.”
He gave a lot of credit to his mother and the sacrifices she made for him.
“She raised me as a single mother and though it was tough, I never lacked (for anything). I remember having to travel for training or matches in winter, having to get up early to take a bus. It wasn’t always easy but my mommy was right there next to me,” he said.
Adam’s coach at Salesians, Marlon Klaasen, said his star player deserves all the help he can get as he has worked hard to make his dream become a reality.
“Adam is a relatively shy, respectable young boy but when he’s on the football field you can tell he puts his heart into his craft.
“He is an amazing player who brings out the best of his teammates in the way he plays and as a captain, he instils this calm, cool and collected spirit that flows throughout the team.”
The club’s chairperson, Keegan Halley, who has seen the young player’s growth since he joined the team at age 6, said he was elated for the boy.
“He has his head on straight and he knows what he wants. He has the courage and determination to chase it, no matter what.
“He deserves all the help he can get because he worked hard to make a reality out of his dream.”
Adam currently has a BackaBuddy campaign running under the name: “Let's get Adam to the UK!”
The family has managed to raise around 35% of the R50 000 needed to travel to the United Kingdom.
Twalo asked that anyone willing to help donate to making Adam’s dream come true, check out the campaign or even share the page.
Bouqallaba needs to board a flight next month to start school on August 30.
Weekend Argus